Metabolism and epigenetic changes help fibroblasts become blood vessels to repair ischemia
Official title: Metabolism and Epigenetic Regulation are Couples in Transdifferentiation and Vascular Regeneration
Funded at Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-11396318 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach explores how cell metabolism and epigenetic changes help reprogram fibroblasts into endothelial cells to improve blood flow after ischemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $593,514 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL169204-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11396318 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with ischemic tissue conditions or patients at risk of impaired perfusion who may benefit from vascular regeneration strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients with non-ischemic conditions or those unlikely to respond to cellular transdifferentiation approaches may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how inflammatory signals inside cells can drive metabolic and epigenetic changes that unlock the ability of fibroblasts to become endothelial cells. The research will examine how a glycolytic shift, driven by inflammatory pathways, supports the transdifferentiation process and improves microvascular regeneration. By studying these mechanisms in a context of ischemia, the team aims to identify ways to enhance vascular repair and tissue perfusion. The goal is to translate these insights into strategies that could benefit patients with ischemic diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new ways to promote blood vessel growth and improve tissue blood flow for people with ischemic conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests vascular regeneration can be enhanced by reprogramming cells, but translating this to effective therapies remains an active area with promising but early results.
Where this research is happening
-
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lai, Li — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Lai, Li
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.